We’ve been operating in the UK for over 50 years, our first restaurant opened in Woolwich in 1974, and our first restaurant in the Republic of Ireland on Grafton Street in 1977.
Franchising at McDonald’s is about placing responsibility for the day-to-day operations of our restaurants in the hands of those that run them best, working collaboratively to grow the business and being a responsible neighbour in the communities in which we serve. Over the years, we have not only expanded our footprint but also adapted to changing consumer preferences and market trends.
With McDonald’s, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re stepping into a well-established system built for growth, resilience, and lasting success.
Franchisees have access to McDonald’s tried-and-tested methods, our research and development functions and our supply chain, which works with more than 29K UK and Irish farmers to produce its popular menu items. Most importantly franchisees have the support and training that a standalone business simply wouldn’t have. Being a McDonald’s franchisee is a 20 year long commitment, which is one of the reasons why its so selective- McDonald’s want to partner with the right people.
As a McDonald’s franchisee, you can’t have any other business interests outside of McDonald’s. While you don’t need experience in the food industry, it is important that you have a passion for the business and a personable, motivated approach to be able to lead your team from the front.
We have a network of over 40 experienced Franchisee Consultants who work closely with our franchisee community to offer support and guide them through McDonald’s processes.
McDonald’s continues to actively seek prospective franchisees across the UK and Ireland to operate a model we believe gives franchisees the opportunity to thrive. The approximate investment for a new franchisee starts from £150,000 in unencumbered funds. The franchise includes a fully functioning restaurant, equipped and ready to run as a McDonald’s restaurant.
Franchisees take on the responsibility for its maintenance and benefit from the use of McDonald’s systems, trademarks, menus, methods, support and marketing. They also agree to operate their business according to the McDonald’s framework, standards, and requirements, ensuring consistency and commitment to the brand. If successful through the application process, applicants will be invited to participate in the franchisee training programme, which involves full-time restaurant training for periods of between 6-9 months (dependant on experience).
McDonald’s continues to evolve the customer experience and none of this would be possible without the support of its franchisees- the very business owners that help bring the McDonald’s concept to life!
We are looking for new and ambitious Franchisees across the UK & Ireland. Guided by our company values, our Franchisees embark on a partnership with us that allows them to build careers, evolve their customers’ experiences, and create their own legacy with the support on offer.
That partnership is behind McDonald’s’, and our Franchisees’, continued success, proving that with McDonald’s you are truly in business ‘for yourself, but not by yourself’.
Testimonials:
“I love that McDonald’s has a rich culture of innovation, diversity, and community engagement , continually striving to deliver memorable experiences for customers worldwide. While working as a Customer Care Assistant in a McDonald’s restaurant, an entrepreneurial passion was ignited in me. This sparked a relentless pursuit of success, culminating in becoming a Franchisee 13 years later.” – Joey Antwi-Kusi, Franchisee
“I always wanted a business of my own just as my parents had, and it was actually my father that suggested McDonald’s. After the Franchisee day, I fell completely in love with the idea. McDonald’s were keen to get to know me and see whether I had the right attributes, which gave me the assurance it was the right step for both of us. I was really grateful for the training bursary too.”- Shafali Shown-Keen, Franchisee
“My proudest moment was getting an MBE title for Services to the City of Coventry. The city has really welcomed me with open arms, and the crew within restaurants I handle did an unbelievable job working alongside a local charity in supporting the city’s homeless and vulnerable population and disadvantaged young people. I never set out to do anything like that when I became a Franchisee, but to help so many people who needed support, guidance and development – effectively changing their lives and building careers – makes going to work every day such a joy. “ – John Kiely MBE